1 • Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018 - The Scoop Today
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WEDNESDAY, DEC. 19, 2018
Holy Cross opens its arms and hearts to Pine Ridge Reservation By Reverend Michael Morrissey PAROCHIAL ADMINISTRATOR This past August I was going to ride my motorcycle out to the Black Hills and spend three days touring the area. The trip was to take me through the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation located in the southwestern part of the State of South Dakota. I was aware of some of the poverty and lack of economic opportunity facing the people of Pine Ridge. It would be this awareness that began to gnaw at me and prompt my conscience to look into ways I could respond and help the people of Pine Ridge Reservation. I decided to cancel the trip on the motorcycle and begin to set things in motion that would enable some response, at least on my part, to the needs and conditions the people of Pine Ridge were dealing with day in and day out. I was mindful of the words of Jesus, “What so ever you do for the least, you do for me.” How could I ride past these people and not do something?!? I spoke at our Masses one weekend in late October and invited parishioners to join me in extending a helping hand. At that moment, I had no idea where all this was going or what the response would be. I had shared with our parishioners some statistics about Pine Ridge that only begin to give a glimpse of the reality the people there face. The people of Pine Ridge have been
left behind in the wake of a terrible absence of resources and economic opportunity and advancement on the Reservation. Left feeling absolutely broken, hopeless, unimportant and completely forgotten, they are tested daily by despair, depression and hopelessness, seeing little but darkness on the horizon for themselves and for their children. Over 30,000 Lakota Sioux live in the poorest place in the United States with statistics worse than Afghanistan and Somalia. The average life expectancy for men is 47 years of age, and for women 52 years of age. The infant mortality rate is 18% which is 300% higher than the national average. Teen suicide is rampant with more than 900 youth suicidal last year. 70% of youth never finish High School. With annual incomes of only $3,500.00, 97% of Lakota Sioux live far below the poverty line. 30% of their homes have no running water or electricity, and 60% of the homes are infested with black mold. These are worse conditions than found in many third-world countries. The days that followed my initial presentation I was quickly finding myself, not overwhelmed, but rather in awe of the generosity, concern and compassion of the parishioners and others. Our parish hall was quickly filling with clothes, blankets, food, Christmas toys, and other necessities. We would make our first trip
out to Pine Ridge early in the morning on November 12. We arrived with a 28 foot trailer filled, as well as, two other trucks and a car full of things needed by the people of Pine Ridge. We arrived at 6:00 P.M. and unloaded everything for a grateful people. By 11:00 A.M. the next morning, the more than 124 loaves of bread we brought were gone to feed the people sandwiches. The need is great and we quickly came home to prepare for our next trip on
December 17. Our hope is to help the local people so they can take more control of their own lives and live with greater dignity. Each time we go, we strive to enter their land with a reverence for them and a listening heart. They are a gifted and culturally wealthy people with much to share with us. We are striving to do what we can to support education, food sourcing, housing development, employment, recreation and arts, medical assis-
tance, counseling for alcoholism and domestic violence, as well as, opportunities for the Lakota Sioux to share and enrich our lives. I often think of what all has happened because I didn’t take a trip on the motorcycle in August…God has a plan and through us to help His children on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. I am grateful to God and to all the fine people of our parish and community who do unto others as they would for Jesus.
Stockton Wesley United Methodist Church Stockton Wesley United Methodist Church will be celebrating the Fourth Sunday in Advent {Love] Dec. 23, during 10:45 worship service. Dec. 24: A candle light service will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 25: Community Christmas Dinner at Calvary U.M.C. at Noon. Regular Sunday Worship service is 10:45 and Sunday School is 9:30. Sanctuary is open each Wednesday 4-6 for quiet time of prayer. All are welcome to come and spend as little or long a time as you like.
Adult Bible study is each Wednesday at 6:30 Please feel welcome to join us at any time. Our doors are always open to anyone that wishes to enter and be welcomed. We are located at the corner of Benton and Hudson Streets and handicap accessible. For information please call Pastor Chuck at 815-947 2541 or check out our website stocktonwumc.org or Facebook by searching Stockton Wesley United Methodist Church.
Stockton Christmas Walk
SONYA WILLIAMSON PHOTO The Scoop Today
Members of the Glass family share their Christmas wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus during the annual Stockton Christmas Walk.
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